L'écriture de Carla Stewart est une exploration passionnée des époques révolues, rendue vivante dans son acclamé premier roman, Chasing Lilacs. Ses contributions littéraires sont alimentées par une profonde affection pour le passé, reflétant un vif intérêt pour l'histoire. Stewart aborde des thèmes qui résonnent auprès des lecteurs en quête de connexion avec le passé. Son style est célébré pour sa qualité captivante et onirique, immergeant les lecteurs dans les périodes historiques qu'elle dépeint avec tant de talent.
Set in the summer of 1958 in a small Texas town, the story follows twelve-year-old Sammie Tucker as she grapples with complex emotions and troubling questions. As she navigates her mother's mental health issues, including shock treatments, Sammie's journey is marked by her struggle to understand her mother's love and the impact of these challenges on their relationship. The narrative delves into themes of family, mental illness, and the quest for clarity in a confusing world.
The story explores the poignant journey of Gabe and Mitzi Steiner, a beloved singing duo whose onstage chemistry contrasts sharply with the personal struggles they face offstage. As Gabe battles Alzheimer's, Mitzi is left to confront the uncertainty of her future, reflecting on their six-decade-long love and partnership. This narrative delves into themes of love, loss, and resilience in the face of life's challenges.
Set in 1962, the story follows Dusty Fairchild, a wealthy young woman yearning for independence, who is sent to a private finishing school instead of college. She finds solace in the presence of her cousin Paisley, who seeks stability after a nomadic upbringing. Their strong bond is tested when they both fall for the same charming young man. A tragic accident ultimately reveals their true desires and the depth of their friendship, challenging their loyalties and aspirations.
For Nell Marchwold, bliss is seeing the transformation when someone gets a glimpse in the mirror while wearing one of her creations and feels beautiful. Nell has always strived to create hats that bring out a woman's best qualities. She knows she's fortunate to have landed a job as an apprentice designer at the prominent Oscar Fields Millinery in New York City. Yet when Nell's fresh designs begin to catch on, her boss holds her back from the limelight, claiming the stutter she's had since childhood reflects poorly on her and his salon. But it seems Nell's gift won't be hidden by Oscar's efforts. Soon an up-and-coming fashion designer is seeking her out as a partner of his 1922 collection. The publicity leads to an opportunity for Nell to make hats in London for a royal wedding. There, she sees her childhood friend, Quentin, and an unexpected spark kindles between them. But thanks to her success, Oscar is determined to keep her. As her heart tugs in two directions, Nell must decide what she is willing to sacrifice for her dream, and what her dream truly is.
Mittie Humphreys discovers a new passion for flying after a thrilling joyride with barnstorming pilot Ames, overshadowing her lifelong love for horses. Set against the backdrop of Charles Lindbergh's victory tour in the Spirit of St. Louis, the story captures the aviation craze sweeping the nation. Mittie's ambition and adventurous spirit drive her to escape her responsibilities on her family's Kentucky horse farm, as she eagerly embraces the freedom and excitement of the skies.